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Pathways to Health and Wellness

Genuine Healthcare Resources, LLC Newsletter
October, 2013
This month, we feel it's vital that we share some important information on healthcare quality and how you, the recipient of healthcare services, can protect yourself and improve the care that you receive.

 

Feel free to contact us for more information.

 

Sincerely,
Linda M Raileanu RN, MM/PA, BSN
Genuine Healthcare Resources, LLC
610-429-1200
Patient Safety, Quality Enhancement, and Medical Error Reduction

 

In September 2013, Genuine Healthcare Resources, LLC, attended the Twelfth National Quality Colloquium in Washington, D.C., The Leading Forum on Patient Safety, Quality Enhancement, and Medical Error Reduction. 

 

In 1999, the "To Err Is Human" report was published by the Institute of Medicine.  It reported that up to 98,000 people a year die as a result of a preventable medical error made within a hospital.  However, now the Journal of Patient Safety is reporting that between 210,000 and 440,000 patients in the hospital suffer from a preventable error that contributes to their death.  Sadly, that would designate medical errors as the third-leading cause of death in America, after heart disease and cancer. 

 

With all that being said, no one knows for sure the true number.  There has never been an actual count of patients who experience a preventable medical error.  An actual count would be difficult given the potential for inaccuracies in medical records and the reluctance of some providers to report mistakes; therefore, we are left with approximations.  However, these approximations are quite alarming and should cause everyone to sit up and take notice because at some point we will all need treatment within a hospital setting.  The more you know, the better prepared you will be to protect yourself, or a loved one, when the time comes.

 

 Further information regarding medical errors:

  • One to three hospital admissions are associated with adverse events.
  • Approximately forty surgeries performed weekly are done on the wrong site or wrong patient.
  • One-in-four diagnoses are incorrect.
  • $25 - $45 billion of wasteful spending was documented in 2011.

There is a strong push across the healthcare continuum to increase patient safety and quality in every venue where healthcare is delivered.  The goal is better health, better healthcare, and lower cost.  While the medical community must coordinate and break down silos to bring this goal to fruition, there are things that a consumer can do to improve their own quality and safety within the healthcare forum.

  1. Use a Professional Registered Nurse Healthcare Advocacy firm, one not affiliated with a health insurance company or other entity due to the conflict of interest, but one who keeps your best interests at heart, to assist you through every aspect of healthcare.
  2. Constantly ask your doctor or nurse about your current treatments, medications, pulse, blood pressure, test results, etc.  Never forget, you have the right to know.
  3. When a new treatment is offered, always ask questions.  Asking qualified questions, understanding where those answers lead you next and how they play out with your new insurance policy benefits is critical to informed decision-making. Once you have the necessary information, you will have a better understanding of the treatment plans to enable you to make an informed decision.  Remember, it is your decision to make, not your doctor's - Know the facts.
  4. When learning about a new diagnosis, or new recommended medication, from your physician, it is beneficial to write down the information in a medical journal and review it after you leave the doctor's office.  A lot of information all at once can be confusing.
  5. Another option is to take an independent third party (Registered Nurse Healthcare Advocate) with you to act as another set of ears.  Sometimes there can be multiple people in the room and because of each person's stress level, each can leave with a different idea of what they heard at the visit.  The Nurse Healthcare Advocate will also be able to answer any questions that you/your family may have after leaving the physician's office.
  6. Compile a "Pros and Cons" list to help you make the best decision.
  7. If you are in the hospital, being able to remember all this information becomes more difficult because you are in a stressful state.  This is where the importance and benefit of a nurse healthcare advocate comes in, not only for your benefit and peace of mind but for your family members as well.

The healthcare system is both medically complex and administratively overwhelming; unfortunately, it is very easy to get lost in the system and not see a clear path forward. Having a healthcare professional assist you and your family find that path forward is an invaluable resource.

 

 

 

Copyright� 2013. All Rights Reserved

Genuine Healthcare Resources is pleased to announce that we have launched our new website!

 

Please click the link below to check it out and we appreciate your feedback.





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About Us

Genuine Healthcare Resources, LLC offers healthcare advocacy services to employees, individuals, and physicians. Our team of Registered Nurses and Health Care Advocates holds both clinical and managed care expertise, which provides the foundation for resolving the most complicated of healthcare issues.

 

Genuine Healthcare Resources assists employers with comprehensive wellness programs to increase productivity, decrease absenteeism, and increase morale.

 

Whether assisting with denials, provider/member appeals, medical bills or formulary issues, access to care, or case/care management, we are dedicated to being your health care advocate. We serve you, with one-on-one personalized attention. 

 

Our advocacy process is built upon the premise that patient education is the key to healthy lifestyle choices. 


Need a Speaker?

 

Linda is available to speak on various health related topics for:
 
Healthcare Conferences
Business Seminars
RN/MD Associations
Non-Profit Organizations
Government Agencies
Colleges/Universities